The Big Knockover Author:Dashiell Hammett The originator of the "Hard-boiled detective" tale, Dashiell Hammett is at his best in these 5 riveting short stories, written between 1924 and 1929. — The titles are: — The Gutting of Couffignal — Fly Paper — The Scorched Face — Tulip — The Big Knockover — This collection is prefaced with a very interesting 18 page mini-biography of Dashiell Hammett, ... more »written by Lillian Hellman, who knew Hammett intimately.« less